Bird Count in Taradale Sets Base Line

A bird count
was completed in two possum control zones around Taradale
last month.

The bird count will set a base line
against which Hawke’s Bay Regional Council can, in the
future, assess the outcomes of its urban possum control
programme and benefits for the biodiversity of the area.

Ornithologist Dr Brent Stephenson measured the bird
populations in the semi-rural area around Mission Winery
where HBRC contractors did an initial possum control last
year and now residents are maintaining bait stations on
their properties. He also did a bird count in the
Otatara-EIT area which is due to have a possum control
programme start next summer.

Dr Stephenson is a
highly regarded ornithologist who is based in Hawke’s Bay
and his work was jointly funded by Hawke’s Bay Regional
Council and Napier City Council. The possum control
programme is managed by the regional council, while the city
council carries out control work in the city parks and
reserves.

Napier City Council’s Reserves Asset
Manager, Tony Billing, believes that this initiative is an
excellent example of a symbiotic working relationship
between the councils and the community. “It’s a clear
demonstration of how the simple act of removing possums and
predators from an urban environment can achieve dramatic
results, and greatly increase the number, and diversity, of
our native bird species.”

Following the first
urban possum control trial on Napier Hill in 2009, the first
bird monitor across the Hill showed an increase in most bird
species, and tui and bellbirds are now commonly seen and
heard throughout the area.

HBRC Land Services
manager Campbell Leckie says, “The significant increase in
native birds like tui and bellbird in our urban areas are a
really visible proof of the success of the partnership
between Napier City, the regional council and our community.
It’s great to see the level of success we have achieved
together on this project.”

ALSO:

WorkSafe NZ has laid one charge against the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) in relation to the shooting at the MSD Ashburton office on 1 September 2014 in which two Work and Income staff were killed and another was injured. More>>

New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters has announced his intention to stand in the Northland by-election, citing his own links to the electorate and ongoing neglect of the region by central government. More>>

The Government has appointed 12 New Zealanders as members of the Flag Consideration Panel which will engage with the public about a possible new New Zealand flag, Deputy Prime Minister Bill English says. More>>

ALSO:

ALSO:

The first I knew of my mother’s charges was when I was called by a reporter yesterday. I spoke to Andrew and we agreed there is a conflict of interest at the present time which means I will temporarily stand aside from the Social Development portfolio. It’s the right thing to do… . More>>